Our Commitment to Safety
Nichols College is committed to the safety and security of its campus community. While our campus in Dudley, MA isn’t sheltered from the real world, the serenity and relatively small size of our community creates an environment where you can focus on learning, living and building your future.
Our officers are trained professionals certified in emergency medical response, including First Responder, CPR and AED procedures. They work in partnership with the Dudley Police Department to maintain a coordinated community policing approach that keeps everyone safe.
Whether you’re a prospective student evaluating campus safety, a current student with questions about parking or a visitor looking for building access information, you’ll find the resources you need here.
Contact Us
The Public Safety Department’s business hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, but officers are on duty around the clock every single day.
We’re committed to creating an environment that’s safe, respectful and conducive to the academic excellence that defines Nichols College.
Important Documents:
24/7 Campus Security & Emergency Response
When you call Public Safety, you’re connecting with experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of a college community. They respond to a wide variety of situations including:
- Disturbances
- Crimes
- Suspicious persons or activity
- Motor vehicle-related problems
- Lock-outs
- And any emergency or request for assistance
Our officers perform thorough investigations when incidents occur, prepare detailed incident reports and uphold the rules and regulations of the college, including housing regulations and Nichols’ Standards of Conduct.
Community Partnership
Nichols College falls under the jurisdiction of the Dudley Police Department and our Public Safety team maintains a strong and coordinated working relationship with local police. This partnership enhances our campus safety efforts through a community policing approach that draws on resources from both the college and the town. When situations require specialized response or additional support, we can quickly coordinate with Dudley Police to ensure the best possible outcome.
Report a Concern or Contact Public Safety
Quick Links
Parking On Campus
Student parking is available for both residential and commuter students within designated areas on campus. If you plan to have a vehicle at Nichols, you’ll need to understand the registration requirements, fee structure, and parking policies that keep our limited parking spaces organized and accessible.
All vehicles must be registered with the Public Safety Office before parking on campus. Registration is not optional. If your car is parked on Nichols property, it must have a current parking decal displayed.
To complete your parking decal application, you’ll need an electronic copy of your vehicle registration and your insurance information readily available. The application is completed online, and once submitted, decals are processed in the order they are received. This means registering early is important, especially if you want to ensure your decal is ready when you arrive for the fall semester. Parking decals will be issued to you on check-in day in August.
Parking decals are color-coded to correspond with designated lot assignments. When you receive your decal, pay attention to the color—it tells you which lots you’re authorized to use. Your decal must be affixed to your vehicle according to the instructions provided and must be visible to Public Safety officers and parking enforcement staff. Parking in unauthorized lots, even if you have a valid decal for a different lot, can result in fines.
Commuter Students Parking Fee: $340 for the 2025-2026 academic year
Resident Students Parking Fee: $405 for the 2025-2026 academic year
These fees are assessed to your student account in two installments: one before the fall semester and one before the spring semester. You do not need to make a payment at the time of decal registration. All parking fees are processed through Student Financial Services and will appear on your account statement along with tuition, housing and other charges. Payments may be made through the Financial Services Department at any time according to your regular billing schedule.
For questions about parking fee payments or billing, contact Student Financial Services at SFS@nichols.edu or (508) 213-2228. For questions about parking policies, lot assignments or decal application issues contact the Public Safety Office at publicsafety@nichols.edu or (508) 213-2298.
Parking on campus is a privilege, and all students are expected to follow campus policies and regulations. Please review the Motor Vehicle Policy document carefully before bringing a vehicle to campus.
Key points include:
- Display your parking decal at all times when parked on campus
- Park only in lots that correspond to your decal color
- Observe posted parking restrictions and signage
- Do not park in reserved spaces, fire lanes or handicapped spaces without proper authorization
- Register any changes to your vehicle information promptly
Vehicles parked in unauthorized lots are subject to fines. Repeat violations can result in loss of parking privileges or other disciplinary action.
Should you experience issues with your parking decal, have questions about lot assignments or require further information on parking procedures or other campus safety matters, stop by the Public Safety Office in the lower level of Daniels Auditorium or contact us by phone or email.
Campus Access and Building Security
Helpful access information for your time on campus.
Facility Access
With the exception of residence halls, most facilities are open to the public during day and evening hours when classes are in session. This means academic buildings, the library, the Fels Student Center and other common areas are accessible to students, faculty, staff and visitors during regular operating hours.
When the college is closed, such as late at night, on holidays or during breaks, buildings are locked and only faculty, staff and students with proper ID are admitted. This after-hours security ensures that campus facilities remain protected while still allowing authorized members of the community to access spaces they need for studying, projects or other legitimate purposes.
Residence Hall Security
Unlike academic buildings that welcome visitors during open hours, residence halls require ID card access for entry at all times, creating a secure living environment where you can feel comfortable and safe. This policy protects your safety and privacy by ensuring that only authorized residents and their escorted guests can enter residential buildings.
Public Safety officers conduct regular patrols of residence halls and respond immediately to any security concerns in residential areas. If your ID card isn’t working, if you see an unauthorized person in your building or if you have any other residence hall security concerns, contact Public Safety right away. Officers are trained to handle residential security issues with sensitivity to students’ privacy while maintaining the safety protocols that protect everyone.
Contact Public Safety
Location: Daniels Auditorium, Lower Level
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Non-Emergency Line: (508) 213-2298
Email: publicsafety@nichols.edu
For parking fee questions or payment inquiries, contact Student Financial Services at SFS@nichols.edu or (508) 213-2228.
Safety Services & Prevention Programs
Staying safe on campus starts here.
The Safety Escort Service provides you with an officer escort as you move across campus, particularly during evening and nighttime hours. If you’re walking from the library to your residence hall late at night, leaving an evening class or simply feel uncomfortable walking alone, you can request an escort at any time.
To request a safety escort, call Public Safety at (508) 213-2298 and let the officer know where you are and where you need to go.
If you’re having car trouble on campus, Public Safety can help. Officers provide vehicle assistance services including jump starts, lockout assistance and coordination with towing services if needed.
The Public Safety Office maintains a lost and found service for items discovered on campus property. If you’ve lost keys, a student ID, a wallet, textbooks, electronics or other personal items, contact Public Safety to see if they’ve been turned in. Similarly, if you find an item that someone has lost, bring it to the Public Safety Office so it can be returned to its rightful owner.
Operation ID is a property identification program that helps protect your valuables and increases the chances of recovering stolen items. The program involves marking your personal property with identifying information that makes it easier for law enforcement to return recovered items to their owners and makes stolen items less attractive to thieves who know marked property is harder to sell.
Contact Public Safety for information about participating in Operation ID and protecting your electronics, bicycles, and other valuable items.
Public Safety provides crime prevention education throughout the academic year. New students receive orientation sessions on crime prevention and campus safety procedures. Residence halls host educational programs on topics like personal safety, preventing theft, recognizing suspicious activity and responding to emergencies. The Public Safety Office also maintains a lending library of crime prevention brochures and videos covering various safety topics.
Request a Safety Escort or Vehicle Assistance
FAQs
Is there a charge for parking?
Yes, there is a student parking fee. Parking decals are processed in the order they are received and will be issued to you on check-in day in August.
Is Public Safety open 24/7?
Yes, officers are on duty around the clock, 365 days a year.
Where do I get a parking decal?
Complete the online parking decal application. Make sure you have an electronic copy of your vehicle registration ready and that you know your insurance information.
Is parking restricted to certain lots?
Yes, decal color corresponds to designated parking areas.
Can I request a safety escort at night?
Yes, escorts available anytime. Call Public Safety at (508) 213-2298 to request.
How do I report a safety concern?
Call (508) 213-2298 or email publicsafety@nichols.edu.
